The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party Central Executive Commitee (CEC) will decide the fate of Members of Parliament who have previously defied party positions and voted against the”Age limit” removal – NRM Secretary General, Kasule Lumumba has said.
This comes after the group, labelled ‘rebel MPs’ for opposing several party positions including the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2017, which among others amended Article 102 of the Constitution, met president Museveni and sought for pardon.
The meeting was at State House Entebbe on Wednesday.
The NRM party Secretary General, Hon Kasule Lumumba who also attended the meeting says the members are required to formally submit their apologies (in writing) to the party secretariat which will further the same to the Central Executive Committee for approval before they are formally accepted into NRM.
Lumumba said the MPs are required to write to the SG expressing whatever they discussed with the president and their apology will be sent to CEC.
“They had a discussion as a group but CEC took a decision that they should put it in writing as individuals. We want individual explanations because we can’t take it as a group apology” Lumumba said.
Lumumba says, though the decision was taken in the spirit of unity and cohesion in the party, there is a due process the apology must go through. She says the process is meant to enforce discipline in the party and every individual will be required to account for his or her deeds.
In a tweet posted on social media, President Museveni confirmed the meeting; “I met our NRM Members of Parliament who have previously opposed certain party positions, hence being named “rebel MPs”. They called on me at State House Entebbe to seek the party’s forgiveness.” Museveni said.
The MPs include; Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga), Barnabas Tinkasimire (Buyaga West), Mbwatekamwa Gaffa (Kasambya), Muyanja Ssenyonga (Mukono South), Kibalya Maurice (Bugabula South), Sylvia Rwabwogo (Kabarole Woman) and Sam Lyomoki (Workers), Michael Timuzigu (Kajara), Moses Adome (Jie), Susan Amero (Amuria Woman), James Kaberuka (Kinkizi West), Robert Migadde (Buvuma), Sarah Nakawunde (Mpigi Woman), Evelyn Chemutai (Bukwo Woman), Dennis Sabiiti (Rubanda) and Anthony Semuli (Mubende Municipality).
However, two MPs; Hon Nsamba Patrick (Kassanda County) and Hon. Acidri James (Maracha East) did not attend the meeting and are yet to express willingness to return to NRM.
Lumumba however expressed pleasure that the rebel MPs have realized their mistake and felt remorse for their actions which is good for the party’s growth.